Blackhawks Ready to Deal Any Pick as Leafs Weigh Knies Move

Chicago Blackhawks executives have signaled openness to moving any draft pick across the next two drafts, including the fourth overall selection they do not expect Ivar Stenberg to reach.

Blackhawks Draft Capital Now in Play

Scott Powers reported that the organization would likely entertain offers for every selection in 2026 and 2027. The fourth overall pick carries the highest cost, requiring a prime-age contributor who can play multiple seasons.

Pierre LeBrun had already noted the Blackhawks’ willingness to move the fourth pick before Powers confirmed the broader stance. That stance contrasts with the usual hoarding of assets seen in most rebuilds.

The presence of Connor Bedard does not change the calculus. Bedard signed his entry-level deal and remains under team control for several seasons, freeing Chicago to accelerate the supporting cast.

Moving the fourth pick would net an established player rather than another prospect. The return would slot directly into a lineup already featuring Bedard and create immediate cap and roster pressure.

The next two drafts contain multiple first-round selections for Chicago. Trading one or more of them now reduces the risk of missing on later development while adding proven talent.

Maple Leafs Face Knies Trade Window

Matthew Knies, still only 23, has appeared in trade discussions dating to 2022 when a package involving Brandon Hagel and Marc-Andre Fleury was explored with Chicago. Two years later he surfaced in Mikko Rantanen talks, and Montreal and Buffalo inquired at the most recent deadline.

Knies posted a career-high 66 points despite playing through a knee injury that limited high-danger chances and lowered his shooting percentage. He logs top-six minutes, adds physicality, and carries five years at $7.75 million.

His value exceeds that of Auston Matthews and William Nylander because Knies lacks a no-movement clause. A return could therefore include a top-pair defenseman such as Zach Werenski or Darren Raddysh.

Retaining Knies to pair with Easton Cowan and potentially Gavin McKenna around Matthews and Nylander preserves youth but does nothing to address the blue line. The organization has already rejected futures-only packages in favor of immediate roster upgrades.

Consequence of Inaction on Both Fronts

If Chicago executes a deal for the fourth pick it gains a 26-to-29-year-old contributor who raises the floor before Bedard’s prime peaks. Failure to move assets leaves the roster thin beyond the superstar.

For Toronto, passing on a Werenski-type acquisition means another season of the same defensive shortcomings. The 2026 deadline remains the clearest window before Matthews turns 32.

Nico Hischier offers a shorter-term center solution but requires an extension; a defenseman provides longer-term stability and better balances the roster.